Tomorrow's Run

I ran yesterday and got lost,

through shaded paths along a meandering river bubbling over shallow rocks,

my wife ahead and my cares behind.

I ran yesterday, despite the nagging ache,

disappointed that I couldn't go farther, yet

pushing through even though I didn't think I could.

I ran yesterday until my legs burned and

my lungs strained and

my skin wetted with honest sweat.

I ran yesterday, my mind numbed to a slow ebb,

quieting the normal chaos

and cacophony of thoughts.

I ran yesterday.

Today I rest.

Tomorrow I run again.

Choosing Reflections

I stand before the mirror and I
See my large belly. I
See my flabby neck. I
See the sadness in my eyes. I
See the fat hanging from my
Frame, from my
Thighs.

I see my
Legs unable to run under
The weight and strain.  I see
My back full of aches, unable
To bend without pain. I see
My arms, with hanging skin underneath. I see my shoulders, slumped and broken
By life's burdens.

I see my face full of
Weakness.
Failure.
Shame.

I see all that I hate
About myself.

I stand before the mirror and I

See legs that hold me

Up like steel pillars. I 

See a back, strong

And proud.  I see

Arms with the strength

To work, the gentleness

To hug my daughters and to

Hold my wife when she is sad.

Or scared.

I see my shoulders, steady

And broad, ready to carry

The weight of life's burdens

for me. And for my family.

And I see my belly

As it wobbles and jiggles

And wiggles and bobbles

When I laugh after wrestling my

Son to the floor, both of us doubled

Over in our glee.

I see my face, proud and secure

In knowing my true worth.

And I look into my eyes, and I

See kindness. I 

See forgiveness. I

See intelligence.

I see Myself.

Choose

Standing on a corner waiting
To cross or should I
Walk to the next road?

Cross now and commit to
Following this road or
Risk an unkown detour

This road is familiar I
Have been down it before it
Takes me to where I've been

The other road goes
To where I know not but
Perhaps to better places

Standing on a corner waiting
The traffic never ceasing the
Light never changing

I wonder what is
Down there
On the other road.